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ADDING SOME GLOS FOR SUNDAY


By Behind the Bench
November 22 2016

After the impressive win at Sale, Saracens quickly renew acquaintances with Gloucester, just three weeks after a topsy-turvy game in the Anglo Welsh Cup.

Saracens showed a clinical touch once more in attack, making twelve clean breaks to their opponents' eight, alongside assured defence which blunted a home side which had enjoyed more territory and possession. What was particularly impressive was the blend of the squad, with a strong starting line up, but many of the players from the Anglo Welsh matches on the bench, but comfortably able to see the side through to victory as they gradually entered the fray. Andrew Fenby made his first Premiership start for the club, and got an impressive number of metres from full back, whilst Scott Spurling, Mark Flanagan, Joel Conlon and Matt Gallagher all featured within the matchday 23. Alex Lozowski gave another influential display, with some fine creative contributions, setting up tries for Gallagher and Ben Spencer. Certainly, it's a welcome contrast to some of the disappointments of previous international windows, and was another fine reflection of the strength in depth available, which is vital if momentum is to be maintained through the season. 
 
Gloucester are arguably the Premiership's most inconsistent side, and presently stand a modest ninth. On their day, they can beat any of their rivals as the 36-18 home win over Wasps last time out proves, but, equally, can succumb to unexpected defeats meaning that top flight European rugby, let alone the top four, continues to elude them. That lack of consistency is true in the Anglo Welsh Cup too, as the thrilling comeback at home to Saracens was followed by a tight 19-13 defeat at Northampton, although they could have snatched it at the end. Whilst flowing back play had been at the heart of that Cup win, the bonus point success against Wasps was built on a powerful forward display, shown not only by hooker Richard Hibbard's opening try, but also in a string of penalties which their pressure earned, allied to an intelligent kicking ga,e. Then, as the match progressed, that backline was able to come to the fore again, as players 11 to 14 all scored, although not necessarily in that order, with centres Mark Atkinson and Matt Scott going first, followed by the wing duo of Charlie Sharples and Henry Purdy with a pair of tries in the last few minutes, capitalising on some sharp turnovers. The line up against Wasps only had two starting players who featured in the win against Saracens: Purdy, who played at centre in that match, and back row Lewis Ludlow, who featured at 8 rather than 6 as last Saturday. Hence, there probably won't be many clues as to how this match might go based on the last meeting. 
 
Gloucester are another side who have never won at Allianz Park, being reduced to 14 men in just the second minute of their first visit in September 2013, as Saracens eventually won 44-12, before losing 28-21 on their return just over a year later. In an ironic reversal of the Cherry and Whites first visit, the most recent meeting in NW4, in February saw Schalk Brits sent off for the hosts on the half hour, but a fantastic defensive performance saw the home side withstand their disadvantage and win 25-12 for a true triumph in adversity. They will need a similar display of control on Sunday both in terms of the forwards but also the potentially lethal threat from the backline. 
 
Saracens would seem likely to keep faith with most, if not all, of the side who did so well at the AJ Bell, so Fenby would remain at full back, with Mike Ellery and Gallagher on the wings, outside a centre partnership of Marcelo Bosch and Brad Barritt, with Alex Lozowski combining with Spencer in the half backs. Forwards-wise, the front row should feature Richard Barrington, Brits and Juan Figallo, with Jim Hamilton and Michael Rhodes in the second row, and a back row trio of Kelly Brown, Schalk Burger and Jackson Wray. Gloucester will probably keep changes to a minimum too, so the backline may well remain intact, with James Hook at full back, Sharples and Purdy on the wings, and Scott with Anderson in the centres. Billy Burns would be at fly half with Willi Heinz starting at scrum half. Into the pack, and Paddy McAllister and John Afoa should start either side of Hibbard. Tom Savage and Mariano Galarza should be at lock, with a back row comprised of Lewis Ludlow, Matt Kvesic and Ben Morgan.
 

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ADDING SOME GLOS FOR SUNDAY
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 22/11/2016 22:32
TheSaracens.com
22/11/2016 22:32
Thanks Gerard. Presume you wrote this before we got Goodey back!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2016:12:07:22:43:56 by Darraghgirl.

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